ASTRA Exhibitors W - Z

Part of the Wild Creations eco-aquarium line, the Bamboo Water Garden comes with a 12" spiral bamboo, two frogs, a snail, and choice of base. This balanced ecosystem offers a low-maintenance way for children or adults to enjoy an aquarium environment.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers cited Eco-Aquariums as a June 2010 best seller. The same month, David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly his store sells about 15 Eco-Aquariums each month.

Originally from the 1960s, Mille Bornes involves a car race across France via a card game. Players must avoid traffic hazards and earn points along the way, while keeping a close eye on — and sabotaging — their fellow players. The game contains 106 illustrated cards.
— Amanda Lepley, manager of Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts in Portland, Ore., named Mille Bornes as her best-selling card game in summer 2008.
— “We carry several, but I’d say Mille Bornes [is the top seller],” remarked Richard Stoecklein, owner of The Toy Factory in Jacksonville, Fla.
— Three of 64 retailers named the game as a top-selling card game in August 2008.

Through simple vignettes in this chunky 24-page board book, and on each side of the five 6" x 5 1/2" x 5" soft blocks, children learn about joyful playing, friendship, caring for others, sharing, helping and other positive qualities that warm the heart. A soft carrying case is included. $100 minimum wholesale order. Launch date: September 1, 2007.

Created in France, these well-crafted wooden car kits, designed to introduce children to the world of woodworking, give children a chance to build something fun for themselves. The kit comes with pre-cut wood, a hammer, sandpaper and glue and dowels for old-world construction, as well as acrylic paints in durable pots, plus two paintbrushes to personalize the project — one for broad painting and one for details. The set features "beech wood components, which is more durable than pine, and everything the child needs is included," Meghan Ristau, sales and marketing manager for Woodland Magic Imports, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.

This high-performance four-color light-up yo-yo combines the patented transaxle system found in the world-famous Fireball with a patented electronic pulsating eight-LED diode system to create a kaleidoscope laser-like show of colorful light patterns, which change as the yo-yo continues to spin at the end of the string. The product comes with bonus string, a trick book and a lubricant pen. “The Lightbeam has a unique centrifugal power switch that turns the yo-yo on when it detects motion and shuts it off when it’s not in use. This process extends battery life and provides for a truly colorful play experience,” Marketing Director John Marcantonio of Yomega told TDmonthly. Launch date: Spring 2007.

Past Videos: Product demonstration, WTHRA 2009

This Late Night Pocket Tin is the ultimate drinking game, with the most twisted set of questions yet. It is also perfect for a road trip or college dorm. It is not appropriate for players under the age of 18. Would you rather wear a T-shirt on a first date that says, "I'm With Stupid" or a T-shirt that asks "Who Cut the Cheese?" “Neither” is not an option here. No matter how awful the alternatives are, it’s up to the group to reach a consensus. Discuss and debate the mind-boggling options and see just how long it takes everyone to agree on the absurd. The game includes 250 "would you rather" questions, 22 challenge cards, five category chips, one dry-erase game board and a marker.

Coming to you from Africa's wild Okavango Delta, this jumbo cuddly croc's toothy grin is sure to warm a child's heart. Kojo is not only an adorable crocodile, but also a comfy pillow and super-soft queen sized blanket all in one. Perfect for lounging on or just cuddling in bed. Features include: Microbead stuffed head for ultimate squishibility; Large, super-soft coral fleece blanket inside: 90"x59"; Bumpy Green Plush Body Material; 100% polyester. Blanket detaches for easy washing. Launch date: 2008.

Three fun-activity books featuring that adorable little fellow, Curious George! Puzzles, picture games, counting fun, connect-the-dot activities: all to be completed with Wikki Stix. Three fun themes include A Day at School, A Trip to the Circus and The Birthday Party. Each book comes with 72 Wikki Stix and a furry little Curious George cutout. Distinctive 3-D activity in each book. Three fun books for one very low price!